An Embarrassment of Witches
By Sophie Goldstein and Jenn Jordan. Top Shelf Productions, 2020. 204 p. Ill. ISBN 9781603094627 (paperback), $19.99.
Giana Ricci, Librarian for the Fine Arts, New York University, New York
Reviewed July 1, 2021
Rory Rosenberg-Gonzalez and Angela Jeong are two young witches struggling to find their places in the working world while adapting to a changing friendship. When Rory’s plan to work at an endangered dragon sanctuary falls through, she toys with the idea of graduate school, mainly due to the influence of their cute new roommate Guy. As Rory navigates the comical and pretentious graduate school scene, Angela begins her prestigious internship at a lab studying enchanted plants. Angela and Rory are feeling the pressure to succeed and as most old friends do, they take it out on each other, both wondering if their friendship will survive.
Goldstein’s use of cool tones like purple and aquamarine, well-placed onomatopeias, quirky outfit choices, and text message conversations create an authentic narrative for two women in their early twenties. Some of the most enjoyable aspects of this novel are the background images, which are often the only way the reader is aware that they are in a magical world at all. Bewitched origami, broomstick Uber drivers, and expressive familiars make up some of the most endearing comedic moments in this novel. By putting magic in the background, the authors have managed a fresh take on the common theme of female friendship.
An Embarrassment of Witches would be a great addition to libraries collecting adult fiction and fantasy. It may also be a good candidate for academic libraries with graphic novel collections for its relatability to students attending graduate school, taking on stressful internships, and preparing to enter the working world. Some suggestive sexual content, potentially frightening magical creatures, and mimicry of drug use may make this novel unsuitable for young adults.